The third talk in The Gardens Trust’s online six part course in partnership with FOLAR showcasing women pioneers takes place January 28, individual tickets £8 (members £6). Register through Eventbrite HERE. Attendees will be sent a Zoom link 2 days prior to the start of the talk, and again a few hours before the talk A link to the recorded session will be sent shortly after each session and will be available for 2 weeks.
Building on FOLAR’s popular series of Women in Landscape, this new collection of talks brings together insights into the motivations and work of three leading contemporary landscape designers and their teams, alongside stories celebrating the lives and achievements of earlier pioneers.
Each of these women has pushed boundaries to improve the lives of others. Some have studied and worked in the UK before adapting their knowledge and ideas to suit the unique contexts of their home countries – an exciting process of creative cross-pollination.
Every generation needs its pioneers, those who make lasting, and at times radical, changes, and who also inspire others to think boldly and act with confidence. Throughout the history of landscape design, there have always been people whose ideas and work transform the way we understand and shape our environments.
As with FOLAR’s previous series, these talks aim to showcase some of the most inspiring people, projects, and ideas in the field — past and present.
Talk 3. 28th January: Shaping Public Landscape with Saira Ali
As President Elect of the Landscape Institute and Team Leader of Landscape Design & Conservation at Bradford Council, Saira will share how co-design, inclusion, and purpose-led regeneration are transforming communities. Her journey shows how public service and landscape can drive climate resilience, equity, and meaningful change across places and people.
Saira Ali FLI is President Elect of the Landscape Institute and Team Leader of Landscape Design & Conservation at Bradford Council. An award-winning leader in blue-green infrastructure, co-design, and inclusive regeneration, she champions landscape as a catalyst for social equity, climate resilience, and community wellbeing. Her collaborative approach drives systemic change, inspiring future generations through mentorship and advocacy.
